Ray Brown, Junior. is an American jazz and blues pianist and singer.
Background
The adopted son of Ray Brown and Ella Fitzgerald, he was born in New York City, New York to Fitzgerald"s half-sister Frances. His father arranged for him to study with jazz percussionists Bill Douglass and Chuck Flores. His mother"s 1964 single "Ringo Beat" was inspired by her son"s interest in rock music
Education
He attended Beverly Hills High School where he sang with school groups which toured at local festivals and hospitals.
Career
National King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra and many others were regular visitors during his childhood. After moving to California when he was 10, Ray discovered a passion for the drums and for singing. Despite his jazz roots he admits that his interest in performing rock music was an act of rebellion.
He moved to Seattle in 1971, studying with another drummer, Bill Coleman, Senior
lieutenant was at this time that Brown, Junior. began writing songs in addition to playing drums and piano. In the late 1980s Brown toured the Pacific Northwest, Canada, Alaska, Japan, of Korea and Guam performing in tours for the United States Department of Defense.
He states, "I love to tour. I"ve been able to see a lot of the world and I just absolutely enjoyed being able to be with different types of people, different cultures and to see the world.
lieutenant"s just kind of broadened who I am as a person, which eventually will filter down into the music, the influences.".
His second album, Committed from the Heart, was released in 2003. His sound has been described as an adult contemporary popular sound layered with Rhythm & Blues. Ray Brown, Junior. wrote and arranged all the songs on both CDs. Additionally in 2003, Brown debuted on the Las Vegas Strip, performing five nights a week in the Le Bistro Theater at the Riviera hotel and casino.
In 2007 he released the album Stand by Maine.
Vocal artists on this album include Jane Monheit, Melba Moore, James Moody, Maria Muldaur, Doctor John, Dionne Warwick, Freda Payne, Sophie B. Hawkins, Paul Williams, Doctor Lonnie Smith, Dave Somerville, Kim Hoyer, and Sally Kellerman. Additional instrumental performances appear on some of the album tracks with artists David "Fathead" Newman, James Moody, Doctor John, Doctor Lonnie Smith and jazz vibraphonist Terry Gibbs.
There is also a bonus track with Ray"s parents in a live version of "How High The Moon", with Ella Fitzgerald and Brown Junior. on vocals and Ray Brown (musician) playing bass. His style has been described as more RnB influenced material.
Notable appearances In 1998, Brown attended the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation ceremony honoring his mother, Ella Fitzgerald.
Also in 2007, Brown attended the ceremony for the new Ella Fitzgerald stamp produced by the United States Postal Service. He also traveled to various events commemorating what would have been his mother"s 90th birthday.